Sunlight floods in through your hospital's windows. It is a bright Monday morning, and you feel full of energy, after a wonderful trip over the weekend.

Just a matter of seconds after stepping into the otolaryngology ward, you are paged over the emergency department (ED). There, you are introduced to six-year-old Sarah and her parents.

Since last night, Sarah has been irritable and refusing to eat. Since waking up today, she can barely speak, sounds husky, and drools significantly. She also has a high fever.

Her medical history is unremarkable, she has no history of allergies, and all vaccinations are up-to-date.